Kosovo’s ruling party, Vetëvendosje (LVV), has nominated its leader, Albin Kurti, as its candidate for prime minister in early parliamentary elections scheduled for December 28, following a unanimous decision by the party’s 61st General Council meeting.
Kurti, who has led Kosovo since 2021, said he was “honoured” by the nomination and pledged to govern “with dedication, integrity and humility.” He framed the early elections as the result of other parties’ refusal to cooperate, rejecting any deals based on dividing government posts as “illegal bargains.”
Glauk Konjufca, ex Speaker of the Assembly and a senior LVV figure, described Kurti as “the most successful prime minister” and “the most voted leader in the history of Kosovo’s parliamentary democracy,” accusing opposition parties of attempting to “paralyse the state” to weaken the government.
Political analysts say Kurti’s nomination consolidates LVV’s position ahead of the polls but also highlights ongoing political tensions that led to the snap elections. During his previous term, Kurti’s government faced multiple challenges, including energy shortages, the impact of the Ukraine war, and unrest in northern Kosovo, which he has attributed to interference from Serbia’s state apparatus.
The December elections, announced by President Vjosa Osmani, will include registration of voters abroad. Authorities estimate the cost of the vote at over €11 million. LVV faces competition from main opposition parties, including the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), which has nominated Lumir Abdixhiku for prime minister. Analysts say the elections will serve as a direct test of Kurti’s popularity and governance amid global crises and regional tensions.
For now, LVV appears united, with the party’s General Council giving Kurti unanimous backing, a move expected to energize supporters and strengthen its campaign heading into the December vote.